NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., June 5, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson & Johnson, the Official Healthcare Sponsor of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™, announced today the winner of the U.S. Champions of Care program - Maria Jaramillo, from Houston, Texas. Maria's unwavering dedication to both her students and local community has made her a nationally recognized Champion of Care. She will be honored by Johnson & Johnson at the upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ where she will attend the final match in Rio de Janeiro on July 13.

Developed by Johnson & Johnson in support of its 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ sponsorship, the Champions of Care program was created to shine a spotlight on people who go above and beyond to do extraordinary things in caring for others. Six finalists were selected in the U.S., and through public voting from May 5-25, Jaramillo was chosen as the grand prize winner.

"Maria is a true inspiration and example of how caring acts both big and small can make a real difference in people's lives," said Holly Means, Vice President, Corporate Equity Strategy and Sponsorships, Johnson & Johnson. "At Johnson & Johnson, we are inspired by all of the caring stories we received, and are proud to celebrate those who care for others through our sponsorship of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™."

A dedicated teacher for 11 years in the underprivileged Hispanic community where she grew up, Maria created real change by helping her students overcome their insecurities and develop the confidence, skillset and ambition needed to continue their studies in college. With Maria's guidance and dedication, hundreds of her students have gone on to earn college degrees and follow their career dreams.

"I am honored to be chosen as the Johnson & Johnson Champions of Care US winner," said Jaramillo. "My mother, who wanted to but never had the opportunity to teach, inspired me to become a teacher. I am so grateful to be able to do what I love every day and inspire my students to achieve their dreams. I want to thank everyone that voted and am looking forward to the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ in Brazil."

Maria was one of six finalists in the US Champions of Care program nominated earlier this year by their friends, family and community members for their unique inspiring acts of care. Public voting took place throughout the month of May. The other Champions of Care U.S. finalists were:Dr. Elissa Brown, a psychologist and childhood trauma expert from Westchester, N.Y.; Corinne Cannon, the creator of the DC Diaper Bank in Washington, D.C.; Amalia Gonzalez, a family caretaker and local volunteer from Chicago, Ill.; Erik Tobiason, a philanthropic contractor from Barnard, Vt.; and Marty White, a teacher and volunteerism catalyst from Elmsford, N.Y.

The Champions of Care program is a key element of the Johnson & Johnson CARE INSPIRES CARE™ campaign, based on the belief that one act of care can inspire another and, ultimately, create a more caring world. As part of its CARE INSPIRES CARE™ campaign, Johnson & Johnson is also inviting people to share their caring stories on the CARE INSPIRES CARE™ Facebook page. Every like and share on the CARE INSPIRES CARE™ Facebook page will be tracked via the "Caremeter" on the page, and people can participate in the conversation using #JNJ and #inspirecare.

Through the CARE INSPIRES CARE™ campaign and as the Official Healthcare Sponsor of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™, Johnson & Johnson aims to foster caring among people every day, provide resources to help care for and enable a healthier future for the families and communities in Brazil, and support and care for the fans, volunteers, and players, at this year's highly anticipated tournament.

About Johnson & JohnsonCaring for the world, one person at a time, inspires and unites the people of Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies. We embrace research and science—bringing innovative ideas, products and services to advance the health and well-being of people. Our approximately 128,000 employees at more than 275 Johnson & Johnson operating companies work with partners in healthcare to touch the lives of over a billion people every day, throughout the world.